Flynn expulsion – Banishment was an inevitability

ONCE Taoiseach Bertie Ahern decided that Fianna Fáil could not afford the embarrassment of allowing Beverly Flynn to continue as a member, her fate was sealed.

The manner in which the parliamentary party disowned her unanimously on Tuesday, after just one hour, signalled the outcome of last night’s meeting of the national executive which, irrevocably, expelled her from the Fianna Fáil party.

It was the inevitability Ms Flynn refused to entertain, believing the Flynns were invincible and that she was indispensable to the party in Mayo.

She was wrong on both counts, and she was also wrong to presume that her expulsion would be a step too far for the party.

It is not the first time that Ms Flynn has found herself outside the Fianna Fáil fold, but this time there will be no return, because she would be a bigger liability inside than out.

It would not be surprising to see her father Pádraig Flynn, a former Minister and EU Commissioner, leave Fianna Fáil in sympathy with his daughter.

Her previous expulsion from the party was in 1999, for failing to support a motion demanding that he clarify a controversial political donation.

Possibly, he may feel the paternal urge to return the favour.